KUCHING: The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department has increased the total number of firefighters in the field to monitor and douse forest and peatland fires which could be sparked by the current hot and dry weather, which is expected to last till May.
The hotspots for now are in Miri and Mukah, said its director Khirudin Drahman.
“During this period, there will be more fire surveillance from the air, close monitoring of the weather with the Malaysian Meteorological Department, as well as collaboration with several other agencies to ensure we’re on the ball and fires don’t become uncontrollable,” he said.
He said that operation centres will be established in places with the most fires and that a helicopter is at the ready in Miri if water-bombing is called for. He advised the public to refrain from open burning which could get out of hand and cause devastation. – Bernama
